Washington Nationals: Buster Olney predicts World Series loss in 2018
By Tim Boyle
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Washington Nationals will make it to the 2018 World Series. Unfortunately, the same prediction calls for them to lose the series to the Cleveland Indians.
Washington Nationals fans are eager to see their team advance beyond the first round of the playoffs. If Buster Olney’s magic eight ball is accurate, they should get pretty far. Olney tweeted out his World Series prediction, calling for a Cleveland Indians win over the Nationals.
The Nationals are no strangers to preseason predictions that land them in the World Series. For several seasons, the Nationals have opened the year favorited by many. With MVP candidate Bryce Harper in the lineup and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer leading the rotation, it’s not unfathomable to envision.
Stacking the Washington Nationals up against the Cleveland Indians
Last year ended the same way for the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians. Each lost in the division series. A year prior, though, the Indians made it all the way to the World Series. An amazing comeback by the Chicago Cubs ruined their chances at ending their lengthy championship drought.
So, as far as experience in the World Series goes, the Indians may have the edge.
The Nationals roster doesn’t have much World Series experience. Daniel Murphy’s 2015 run with the New York Mets is one of the most memorable. We can also include manager Dave Martinez’s presence with the 2016 Cubs.
Other than that, the Nationals need to dig deep for the word “World Series” on its members resumes. Matt Adams did play in the 2013 World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals. Like Murphy, he left without a ring.
Relief pitcher Ryan Madson is an exception. His 2008 championship with the Philadelphia Phillies puts him in a different category from his current teammates.
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Experience can only lead a team so far. It’s not as if many players on the Indians roster have experienced a championship parade either. Many of its stars are homegrown. Others brought in through free agency or trade are also hoping to begin a jewelry collection, starting with a World Series ring.
A look the rotations for each team, there are similarities. Corey Kluber is the Indians’, Max Scherzer. Carlos Carrasco is the very talented yet second-in-command like Stephen Strasburg. The only spot on the pitching staffs where there is a distinct difference is the bullpen. Cleveland has proven to everyone how important it is to have a topnotch relief core.
Offensively, the Indians also stack up well when compared to the Nationals. It’s fair even to suggest the Nationals are the superior squad. This is a team built like an American League franchise with the advantage of playing in the National League. When discussing depth, the Nationals are again the better squad.
Olney may indeed believe it’s the experience that will help the Indians overtake the Nationals in October. Or maybe it’s the bullpen.
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Whatever the case is, the Washington Nationals are getting early attention again this year — will they finally live up to the hype and make it far into the postseason?